The San Francisco Planning Department and the Department of Public Works is announcing today the release of the second request for proposals as part of the new Parklet Program. The program aims to satisfy the desire for wider sidewalks for people to sit, relax, and enjoy the city around them.  The proposal allows eligible applicants to apply and fully integrate the use of the public realm into the environment. 

"The Parklet program is a truly exciting initiative that has people across the city thinking about our streets in a new way.  We strongly encourage neighborhood groups and organizations, in addition to storefront business owners, to develop and submit proposals for their communities," said John Rahaim, Director of the Planning Department.

Parklets provide an innovative and economical solution by repurposing one or two existing parking spots with a durable and aesthetic platform that brings the grade of the sidewalk out into the street.  This platform can be topped with tables and chairs, benches, planters, and bicycle parking, depending on the desire of a particular location. 

The request for Parklets proposals (RFP) includes:

• Detailed implementation guidelines for the placement and installation of Parklets consistent with the sidewalk landscaping program
• Simple graphics and step-by-step instructions intended to facilitate development of a great and safe proposal

The following types of applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal:

• Community Benefit Districts (CBDs)
• Storefront business owners
• Community organizations
• Non-profit institutions

"The Parklet program is an example of communities and city agencies working in partnership to enhance the public realm," said Ed Reiskin, Director of the Department of Public Works. "The program provides the public an opportunity to fully engage in the process so that the needs of the community are included."

Parklets are a partnership between the City and the permit holder. Once installed, the permit holder agrees to maintain the Parklet, keeping it clean and beautiful and well activated, while the City facilitates design review and expedites the permit processing.   Parklets are required to be public spaces, welcoming anyone to take a break and relax whether they are a customer of a particular business or not.  This added public amenity encourages positive use of the public realm, provides economic revitalization, and gives San Francisco residents and visitors alike a place to stop and enjoy the neighborhood around them.

Creative yet balanced use of the parking lane is recommended in San Francisco's new Better Streets Plan, a trailblazing document that guides how the City designs and activates our streets, and supports the City's adopted Transit First policy and Complete Streets ordinance.

"The Parklet Program has given The Freewheel a worthwhile opportunity to contribute to the Mission neighborhood that has been very good to us over the last 14 years, "said Carlos Corujo, owner of The Freewheel Bicycle Shop at 914 Valencia. " We're getting a lot of positive feedback about the green parklet as it slows the pace and helps foster a more comfortable feel on Valencia Street."

The City began its Parklet Program with the launch of a pilot initiative in March of 2010.  This pilot effort included the installation of six Parklets in various neighborhoods, including the Mission, Noe Valley, the Western Addition, and North Beach.  Given the immediate positive reaction to the Parklets and their demonstrated success during their trial phase, the City released its first request for proposals under the Parklet permit in September of 2010.  The Department of Public Works, with active participation of both the Planning Department and the Municipal Transportation Agency, has now permitted 15 projects across the city from the Sunset to the Tenderloin as a result of this first request.

For more information and to download the request for proposals, please visit http://pavementtoparks.sfplanning.org